RTS Marketing and Communications Supervisor
BIRTHPLACE: Chicago, IL
EDUCATION: Cape Coral High School (1987)
University of Florida, BA in English and Minor in Secondary Ed (1992)
PROFESSIONAL HISTORY:
Prior to 1997: I held a number of marketing and sales positions with different companies, including running my own home-based business.
1997-1998: Marketing Director for Florida Scuba News. Managed entire marketing and advertising campaigns for the magazine.
1999-2002: District Manager for Entertainment Publications. Opened the Gainesville market for the fund-raising company and was a one-man show handling all business aspects.
2002-2009: Senior Public Relations Project Manager for Earth Tech – AECOM. Designed and implemented the complete public relations/information campaign on over 150 Florida Department of Transportation maintenance and construction projects in an 18 county area in north central Florida.
2009-Present: Marketing and Communications Supervisor – City of Gainesville Regional Transit System.
YEARS WORKING IN TRANSIT INDUSTRY: One in public transit – nine if you count FDOT experience too.
YEARS WORKING WITH RTS: One year anniversary is August 10.
BIGGEST SURPRISE IN MARKETING TRANSIT: My biggest surprise was how knowledgeable the public actually is about transit, especially here in Gainesville. Also, all the great people here in Florida and across the world that are involved with transit and are willing to lend a helping hand if called upon.
BIGGEST CHALLENGE IN MARKETING TRANSIT: Other than managing Ms. “T”?!? The biggest challenge is trying to convince those that have not ridden public transit to try it and see what it is all about.
COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT: I actively participate in the Florida Public Relations Association (Gainesville Chapter), the Alachua County Public School Foundation, the UF Alumni Association, Gator Boosters, and am a board member for my homeowners association. I also work with the High Springs BMX track, the Sebastian Ferrero Foundation and as a volunteer at my children’s schools and booster clubs.
PERSONAL BACKGROUND: I have been in Gainesville for over 20 years. My wife and I celebrated our 5th wedding anniversary this year after reconnecting at our 10-year reunion (Cape Coral High School in Lee County). We have four children, two boys and two girls ranging in age between 8 and 16. Our family has lots of pets including a Blue Healer (Australian Cattle Dog), two fire-bellied newts, two fire-bellied toads and two fish tanks full of fish.
As if my family and work didn’t keep me busy enough, I also enjoy scuba diving, biking, reading, fishing, golfing, gardening and UF athletic events. My interests include technology, property management, travel, the environment and politics.
CHILDHOOD AMBITION: To be a marine biologist.
INSPIRATION: Dr. John Lombardi, former UF president and current Chancellor for Louisiana’s University System. He exemplified grace under pressure and always landed on his feet. I also get inspiration from my father for his business sense and entrepreneurial spirit, and my mother for her strength and caring.
FAVORITE BOOK: The Ancient Art of War – Sun Tzu and the Lord of the Rings Trilogy. My favorite children’s book is Dr. Seuss’ The Lorax.
FAVORITE COLOR: Orange & Blue…of course! Go Gators…Go Bears!
FAVORITE CANDY: Mounds
FAVORITE QUOTE: “Success is to be measured not so much by the position that one has reached in life as by the obstacles which he has overcome while trying to succeed.” – Booker T. Washington
FAVORITE BEVERAGE: Mountain Dew with Espresso a close a second. Yes, I am a caffeine junkie! I also need it to keep up with “T”!
CERTIFICATIONS: FEMA NIMS, OSHA Safety, Scuba Diving, Rescue Diving, IMSA Racing, Advanced First Aid, CPR, Adobe Pagemaker/Photoshop/InDesign, FDOT Plan Reading, FDOT News Media.